McKeever to run for municipal council

Gordon McKeever, owner of Rainbow Retreats Accommodation and active in Creekside issues for many years, has announced his intention to seek a seat on council in the Nov. 16 municipal elections.

McKeever described himself as a "long-time local with long-term plans for staying in Whistler" and said his decision to run for council was based on that philosophy.

He says he brings a sense of history about the resort, having lived here since the mid-80s, as well as recognition of community values and the importance of small business to the town.

"The success of Whistler is significantly facilitated by the breadth of the stakeholders," McKeever said.

"Every other purpose-built community has had a single driving entity, be it a mining company or something else. Whistler is the exception. Its a bunch of small stakeholders driving the train."

Maintaining that diverse business sector is important.

"The more we look like a suburban mall the less reason for people to come here," he said. "We need to keep the small business sector alive. There will be a million decisions in the next three years that will affect that."

McKeever said he views the existing council as having done "much more right than wrong," and he supports the major initiatives undertaken by council.

"Sustainability is an over-used buzz word these days, but I believe we need to assess decisions and actions through the triple lens of environmental, social and economic sustainability. Ill make every effort to base my decisions on that triple bottom line," he said.

"Because of the passion of Whistler we have a chance of pulling off this sustainability initiative. Its not a goal so much as a compass point."

He also supports the Olympic bid, saying it satisfies all three components of sustainability.

"I think it would be good for the community  I think it will take the whole community to pull it off, but I think its good for the community, good for the province and good for the whole country.

"The 2010 Games is an opportunity to promote sustainability. Its a global platform to help preach that message."

He said while Creekside issues are what he is best known for, he is not interested in a ward system or geographic divisions within Whistler. "But Creekside issues are an example of my direction," he said.

McKeever and his wife Libby have two daughters, aged 16 and 10. With his business now approaching its 14
th
year he has the time to devote to council.

"If a person has benefited from the community I think it behoves them to give something back. Thats why Im involved in the Millennium Rotary Club and the library fundraising campaign."